THE Princess Royal, Duke of York and Earl of Wessex face losing their 24-hour police protection as part of desperate cost-cutting measures.

Prince Andrew’s daughters Beatrice and Eugenie are already expected to lose their protection, said to cost £500,000 a year.

The latest move comes as the cash-strapped Metropolitan Police Service tries to recoup some of its £8million Royal Wedding costs.

Royals would continue to receive protection for official duties but it would be taken away at other times.

Princess Anne – considered the hardest working after the Queen with 600 engagements a year – is said to be “incandescent with rage”.

While the exact number of royals given bodyguards at the taxpayers’ expense remains a closely guarded secret, the total cost is thought to exceed £50million a year.

The many minor royals who do not receive protection include Princess Anne’s children Zara Phillips and her brother Peter.

Prince Andrew’s daughters Beatrice and Eugenie are already expected to lose their protection

“Removing personal protection from Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward is actively being discussed at the highest levels,” a source said last night.

Dai Davies, a former chief superintendent in charge of royal protection, said: “It is no good trying to offer royal protection on a part-time basis. Those who wish to cause trouble will spend time observing their targets and it will be obvious when any gaps of security occur. Royal protection has to be either 24 hours, seven days a week, or don’t bother offering it at all.”

Critics condemned the move at a time when security risks are growing. Royal author Phil Dampier said: “I’m amazed the prospect of stripping royal protection from Princess Anne, who works so hard, is being discussed now, at a time of heightened security threats following the killing of Osama Bin Laden.”